UKCA ( UK Conformity Assessment ) is a conformity marking that came into effect in the United Kingdom – England, Scotland and Wales from 2021, replacing the EU CE marking. What products does it apply to and how should they be marked?
UKCA marking
The UKCA marking can be used in most cases where the CE marking is available. Specific requirements for product parameters are specified in the regulatory documents intended for them. Products placed on the UK market are required to comply with specific standards that have replaced the standards harmonised in the UK. Although the UK requirements partly coincide with those of the European Union, the fact of using harmonised standards can only be used by manufacturers as confirmation that they comply with key EU regulations.
In the event of discrepancies in British and European legislation, for example regarding product safety, the exporter must take the necessary steps to ensure that the goods comply with British requirements before placing them on the market.
For which products does UKCA apply?
The British government requires UKCA labeling for products in the following groups:
- toys
- pyrotechnics
- pleasure boats and private vessels
- simple pressure vessels
- electromagnetic compatibility
- non-automatic scales
- measuring instruments
- bottles with measuring capacity
- windy
- devices for explosive areas
- radio equipment
- pressure equipment
- personal protective equipment
- gas appliances
- machinery
- equipment for outdoor use
- eco project
- aerosol
- low-voltage electrical equipment.
Some products are covered by the UKCA but have special rules. These are products belonging to the following groups: medical equipment, railway compatibility, construction products, civil explosives, marine equipment, cableways, energy-using products, portable pressure equipment, dangerous substances.
When does the UKCA apply?
Although the new UKCA marking came into effect on 1 January 2021, a transitional period during which the CE mark can still be used will last until 31 December 2024. This time is intended to allow companies to prepare for the changes.
UKCA EU
CE marked products will be available for sale in the UK until 2025, after which they will no longer be available. In turn, the UKCA marking is only valid in the British Isles, and products with only this marking will not be allowed to circulate in the European Union.
Can a product have UKCA and CE marking?
Where goods are intended for both the UK and European markets, the UKCA and CE markings may be placed on the same product, provided that both marks are visible and meet UK and European Union requirements.
UKCA documentation
If the manufacturer could make a declaration of conformity on their own in the case of the CE marking, they will also be able to do so under the UKCA.
Manufacturers must have documentation that their products comply with UK requirements. This documentation must be kept for 10 years from the date the product was placed on the market. Product-specific requirements can be found on the government website . This documentation should include basic information about the product:
- how to be designed and manufactured
- how much it meets the relevant requirements
- manufacturer’s address and storage location of the goods
- technical specifications.
British Declaration of Conformity
The manufacturer must prepare a British Declaration of Conformity, which must contain information such as:
- Product, its type, series or serial number
- Name and address of the manufacturer or his authorized representative
- Product description
- Declaration of conformity with the relevant regulatory act
- If necessary, reference to specific standards
- Where applicable, reference to the body that assessed the conformity
- Signature of the manufacturer (or authorized representative)
UKCA Labeling Requirements
In most cases, the UKCA marking should be affixed to the product itself or its packaging. In some cases, it may be placed in a manual or other documentation accompanying the product. It must be clear, legible and indelible.
The product may not contain any other markings, symbols or text that may be misleading or impair the visibility, legibility or meaning of the UKCA mark.
Who applies the UKCA marking?
The marking may be affixed to the product by the manufacturer, an authorised representative or a person marketing the product under their own name and trademark. Where the UKCA marking is affixed, the applicant bears full responsibility for the product’s compliance with UK requirements.
UKCA labeling requirements:
- it must be clear, legible and indelible
- have a height of at least 5 mm, unless otherwise provided for by special rules
- when the sign is enlarged or reduced, the basic proportions between the letters that make up the UKCA sign are maintained
Northern Ireland and the UKCA sign
The rules in Northern Ireland are different to those in Wales, Scotland and England. The CE marking will be accepted for imported goods unless they have been assessed by a UK authority. In this situation, the UKNI – United Kingdom of Northern Ireland marking is required .